So the United Kingdom just launched a swift visa application service in Nigeria called the Super Priority Visa (SPV) service. As opposed to the usual week long and 15 day process of applying for and getting a UK visa, or not (depending on the outcome), Nigerians can now apply for a visa and get a result in 24 hours.

According to the statement published on the British High Commission website, the new service is to enable greater flexibility for applicants, showing that the commission is committed to improving visa services.

“The SPV service is aimed largely at key business customers and those needing to travel urgently by providing a visa decision for collection at the Visa Application Centre the working day following submission.” However, this comes at a higher cost.

What? You thought it was a “free service upgrade” …?

It’s not. Nigerians will pay £750 in addition to the standard visa fee.

“I am pleased to see the Super Priority Visa service being launched in Nigeria. This comes with an additional cost but is designed to give greater flexibility to our customers and underlines our strong commitment to make improvements to the visa services we offer,” said Paul Arkwright, the British High Commissioner. “We expect this new service to be particularly useful for business. We understand that business opportunities and urgent requirements can arise at very short notice. We recognise this and want to facilitate such travel to the UK with this new super-fast service.”

Does the SPV guarantee you a visa?

No, it doesn’t. Your additional N311, 948 (supposing you converted at the rate of £415 to one Naira) only speeds up the decision making process. You might still be denied a visa.

But if you are up for the SPV still, appointments are available Monday to Thursday from 08.30am to 10.00pm, and Fridays from 08.30am to 09.00pm at the Abuja and Lagos Victoria Island Visa Applications Centres.

What’s the point of the SPV then?

If you ask me …?

But here’s what Nigerians are saying:

Adesupo Durojaiye – “£700!!! Per applicant, which is a non-refundable fee. That’s exploitation of the highest level from our colonial master.”

Nene Diallo – “Do you know the amount of money they are making off Nigerians? … Why won’t they upgrade service? The British High Commission in Nigeria is the richest, in the world. They even send money to other British embassies to run operations with the money they make from Nigerians. Their visa fee is in different price ranges.”

“Why won’t it be 24hrs? Considering the amount of money these guys realize from applicants, yet they refuse to give visa. No be their fault, na Naija government dey mess up.”

Deal or No Deal?

Will you use the 24 hour Super Priority service, knowing that it doesn’t guaranty you a visa at the end of the day?